Students came to Campus Center to hear the sounds of the Mariachi San Marcos and view the colorful folklorico dancers in a celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

Kids from the day care center could be seen in the Free Speech area giving their best shot at hitting a fat, yellow cartoon pi§ata. Bakersfield College students also had their chance to hit a pi§ata after the children finished.

According to Ray Sminson, food service manager for the culinary arts program, there was carne asada tacos, refried beans and Spanish rice served as part of the event.

“The dancers from Cal State Bakersfield were excellent, always adds a festive atmosphere to the campus,” said Manuel Gonzales, of EOP&S, who was in attendance at the event. “It gives other students a chance to see the Mexican culture. That’s what we’re all about here on campus, learning about other cultures, other people.”

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s defeat of the French Army at Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862.

Student volunteers played a major role in putting on Cinco de Mayo at the campus.

“A lot of it is getting student volunteers to help out,” said JoAnn Acosta, event organizer.

According to Acosta, more BC students participated in the event this year.

“I thought it was a great event that the M.E.Ch.A. students and the Chicano Cultural Center put together with the limited funds that they have,” said Gonzales.

Eric Heinz, a 19-year-old history major, enjoyed the event.

“It was awesome,” he said.